MANILA, Philippines — The Liberal Party joined the mourning for the death of Dr. Suri Pitsuwan, former secretary general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, who succumbed to a heart attack in Bangkok on Thursday, November 30.
News reports said Surin, who also served as Thailand’s foreign minister, collapsed before giving a speech. He was 68.
In a statement on Friday, December 1, the LP hailed Surin as “a respected democracy champion in the region” and said “he will always be a shining beacon of inspiration to Filipinos and all freedom-loving people, especially in these challenging times.”
“As founding president of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, former Thai foreign minister, and ASEAN secretary general, he promoted the region’s integration at the international stage and steered it to new horizons by bringing governments and peoples toward more meaningful dialogue and cooperation,” the LP said.
“May his life that is truly well-lived continue to shine as the example for those who strive to make this a better world,” it added.
